Cadmium and water quality

Cadmium: Cadmium is a non-essential element and it diminishes plant growth. It is considered a potential carcinogen. It also has been shown to cause toxic effects to the kidneys, bone defects, high blood pressure, and reproductive effects.

Cadmium is widely distributed in the environment at low concentrations. It can be found in fairly high concentrations in sewage sludge. Primary industrial uses for cadmium are plating, battery manufacture, pigments, and plastics.

Criteria: The standard for domestic water supply is <0.01 mg/L. The allowable level for aquatic life is derived using a formula involving hardness. At a hardness of 100, 0.001 mg/L is considered protective.

  • Back to Water Quality Parameters List
  • Back to River Assessment Monitoring Project Home Page
  • Back to Kentucky Water Watch Home Page
  • Back to Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet Home Page